Q: Do I need a passport for travel outside of the United States?

A: A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States, and must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are scheduled to return to the U.S. Passport applications are available at your local post office, passport agency, acceptance agency, or on-line at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/DS-0011.pdf. Additional information can be found at www.travel.state.gov or by calling the National Passport Center at 877-487-2778.

Q. Do I need a visa for travel outside of the United States?

A: Depending on the countries being visited, you may require an entry visa. Although most countries in Europe do not require U.S. citizens to have a visa, countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Pacific usually do require a visa. Travel Plans International can assist in obtaining your visa, or you can use a local passport/visa service provider, or go directly to the visiting country’s embassy or consulate.

Q. Do I need a Yellow Fever Certificate to obtain a visa?

A. Depending on the country(s) being visited, a Yellow Fever Certificate is required to obtain a visa. This is especially true if you’ve visited a Yellow Fever endemic country just prior to your currently planned trip. Additional information about Yellow Fever, and other traveler’s health, can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.